Chapter 789:
I scanned the room, and eventually, I found the person I was looking for in the farthest corner. When I saw the person sitting across from Herbert, everything became clear.
It was a young woman, probably in her mid-twenties, with delicate features. Her almond-shaped eyes stood out, and she was gazing at Herbert with obvious affection, her smile radiant. Every so often, she would pick up food and offer it to him. Watching them, my heart tightened, and I clenched my fists.
It was clear now—this was why Herbert had been going to New York so often.
He had said his parents’ relationship was strained, and that his mother was in poor health. It all turned out to be a lie.Although I couldn’t believe what I was seeing, I tried to convince myself that things might not be as they seemed. I should trust him, but I couldn’t. If there was nothing between them, why had he kept it from me? Why did Connor try to stop me? And why had they chosen such a romantic restaurant, one that required a reservation half a month in advance?
I stood there, frozen, staring at them for what felt like two minutes before I turned and left. Since Herbert had his back to me, he probably didn’t notice me, and the woman clearly didn’t know who I was, so neither of them knew I was there. That was exactly how I wanted it. I didn’t know how to confront this situation.
I wanted to walk up to him, to ask who she was, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. It felt unnecessary, even though my heart was breaking. I was afraid I might cry in front of him, and I didn’t want to let him see me like that, especially not in front of another woman.
I felt like I didn’t have the right to question him; after all, I was his ex-wife. What an awkward position to be in. He had refused to remarry me, and it now seemed like this was the reason. My heart sank, heavy with realization.
I walked out and pressed the elevator button in a daze, my mind racing and blank at the same time. Connor caught up to me, speaking in a low voice, “Miss Stepanek, it’s not what you think. There’s a reason why Mr. Wharton is doing this.”
I couldn’t help but sneer at his words.
“What reason could there possibly be? Was he forced to go to this couple’s restaurant with that girl?”
I pointed at the advertisement on the wall, which depicted a dreamy scene—couples everywhere in the elegant revolving restaurant. Connor’s brow furrowed.
“Miss Stepanek, let me help you find a hotel. Let Mr. Wharton explain it to you in person, okay?”
I gave him a bitter smile.
“What’s left to explain? It’s really not necessary.”
I was beyond angry and didn’t want to hear another word from him. I stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the first floor. As the elevator doors closed, I was finally isolated from him and from the scene I had just witnessed.
The next moment, tears welled up in my eyes. I had been holding them in for so long. Although it had only been a few minutes, it felt like a century to me.
When there was no one around, I let the tears fall freely. I reached up to wipe them away, but I couldn’t understand why Herbert would do this to me.
He had told me that he loved me and that we were building a life together. But here he was, dining with another woman.
For a moment, I was consumed with agitation. A part of me regretted not confronting him just now. I should have splashed my wine on his face. That’s what I would have done before.
But now, my heart felt tired. I couldn’t decide whether to love him or hate him. I just felt overwhelmingly sad.
